santo

saint

noun adjective SAHN-toh Less Common

Origin: from Latin sanctus

Also means

holy

Usage Note

Santo is both the noun 'saint' and the adjective 'holy'. Before a male name it shortens to San (San Marco) but stays Santo before s+consonant (Santo Stefano), and becomes Santa before a feminine name.

Examples

"San Francesco è un santo amato."

Natural Translation

Saint Francis is a beloved saint.

Literal Translation

Saint Francis is a saint beloved.

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